History of Lincoln Square

The history of Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood dates back to 1836, when Swiss immigrant Conrad Sulzer first settled the open prairie in the area now known as the intersection of Montrose and Clark. A few others followed, and by the 1850’s Lincoln Square was known as a truck farming community producing crops of celery, pickles and flowers. The crops gained such popularity that the area became known as the nation’s celery capital. In 1857, the Budlong brothers opened a pickle factory and later the Budlong Greenhouses opened in 1880. Many immigrants commuted from Chicago to Lincoln Square to work on the farmers, and soon several taverns were built along the route.

Lincoln Square’s first residential subdivision was Bowmanville, developed in 1850 by a hotel owner. Unfortunately, this hotel owner fraudulently sold land that he did not own. Rosehill Cemetery was opened in 1859 and was strategically developed to face the railroad stop, in hopes to encourage visitors to make day-long outings to the area. The Ravenswood subdivision was developed in 1868. The success of this subdivision encouraged other developments, including Summerdale and Clybourn.

The neighborhood of Lincoln Square began to flourish in the early 1900’s due to the increased use of electric streetcars and the development of the "El" train in 1907. Subdivisions began to develop when it was learned that residents could easily travel to and from the Lincoln Square neighborhood.

History of Ravenswood

A group of real-estate speculators had high ambitions when they planned and developed the Ravenswood neighborhood. Following the failure of the Lincoln Square subdivision, the Ravenswood Land Company purchased 194 acres of farm and wooded land in 1868. Aiming high, the Ravenswood Land Company was trying not only to develop a residential neighborhood, but an exclusive commuter suburb.

Striking a deal with the Chicago & North Western Railroad, a stop was opened in Ravenswood as long as the Ravenswood Land Company would guarantee a certain number of passengers. Promoting the new suburb, the Ravenswood Land Company divided the farm land into large sized lots and offered a fee of $7.20 for one hundred train rides, intending to attract only wealthy residents. The Sunnyside Hotel was also built so that potential customers could first visit the resort area and influence their decision to purchase property and remain in the area. The Ravenswood Land Company’s real-estate gamble paid off, and within six years, the Ravenswood neighborhood grew to a population of 75.

Unfortunately the Ravenswood Land Company did not plan out the entire subdivision, and they did not build houses, sewers or sidewalks. Early residents of Ravenswood recall open ditches and muddy streets alongside the affluent houses and landscapes. Later, private subscriptions from residents paid for some local improvements.

Similar to the population increase in Lincoln Square, the electric streetcars and the “L” made the area accessible to less affluent residents. Soon small houses, two-flats and apartment buildings were developed between downtown Chicago and Ravenswood, with Ravenswood losing its distinction as an exclusive commuter suburb.

Shortly after World War II, Lincoln Square began to flourish as a commercial community in the middle of the Ravenswood neighborhood. Lincoln Square was known as the birthplace of Bell & Howell, Abbott Laboratories and Deagan Musical Instruments. The name Ravenswood remained, even after the area was officially designated the Lincoln Square Community Area.

The Ravenswood and Lincoln Square neighborhood were never quite as popular as other regional shopping districts, and many storefronts remained empty after World War II. In 1978 the Lincoln Square mall was developed, which included a pedestrian plaza that required a controversial rerouting of local traffic. By creating an Old World flair with European-style shops, many of the empty storefronts began to fill in.

Lincoln Square Today

Today, the Lincoln Square and Ravenswood neighborhoods are located on the North Side of Chicago. Greater Lincoln Square encompasses the smaller neighborhoods of Ravenswood Gardens, Ravenswood Manor, Bowmanville and Budlong Woods. Lincoln Square, Chicago is bordered by Foster Avenue to the north, Montrose Avenue to the south, and between Damen Avenue and the Chicago River. Through its combination residential, parks, shopping and commercial districts, Lincoln Square is one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods.

About 40,000 residents from a wide assortment of cultures live within Lincoln Square's tree-lined streets. With a mixture of one of a kind businesses, public art, gourmet restaurants, specialty stores and annual neighborhood festivals, the Lincoln Square neighborhood is reminiscent of a small town atmosphere. Its strategic location allows for public transportation providing convenient connections throughout the rest of Chicago and nearby suburbs.

The Ravenswood Industrial corridor is home to over 200 firms including manufacturers, artists and technology companies. Commercial and retail establishments, including small shops and outdoor cafés are appealing to families and young professionals.

Lincoln Square Real Estate

Lincoln Square continues to be one of Chicagoland’s most desirable real estate markets. With tree-lined and landscaped streets, distinctive architectural details combined with the strategic location to downtown Chicago, Lincoln Square real estate continues to attract families and professionals. Lincoln Square real estate and Ravenswood real estate can range from quite affordable to luxury single family homes and condominiums, attracting a variety of residents to the multi-cultural, vibrant community.

Lincoln Square is home to a charming assortment of buildings, representing varying architectural styles, from wood-frame Victorians, brick and graystone two- and three-flats, as well condominiums and renovated three- to six-flat walk-ups. With Lincoln Square’s historic district consisting of nearly one fifth of the area’s homes, Lincoln Square is often described as having a "European" or "Old World” feel. Works of famous architects can be found within Lincoln Square real estate, including the Chicago School architect Louis Sullivan, known for the Auditorium Theater and the Carson Pirie Scott Building.

Ravenswood real estate offers similar housing styles as those found in Lincoln Square. Ravenswood residents are well known for their rehab savvy, and many vintage homes are now modernized and available at reasonable prices.